![](https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Rice-cultivation.jpg)
![](https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Rice-cultivation.jpg)
The federal government says it has set up different task forces to monitor activities of any farmer who benefits from government’s support programmes.
The development is to check sharp practices particularly, diversion of farm inputs and implements donated to farmers across the country by some selfish and greedy persons.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono stated this during the presentation of rice input to one hundred and fifty farmers in Ekiti State to cultivate one hectare of land.
Represented by a senior officer of the ministry, Mr. Garba Samaila Shiko, the minister explained that any farmer found to have sold or diverted government-provided inputs would be seriously sanctioned to serve as deterrent to others with such unlawful and selfish habit.
He said the donation of the rice input was an initiative to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on the farmers so as to boost rice production and create job opportunities for youths.
Items presented to the beneficiaries are 50kg bag of certified rice seeds (FARO 44), 4 bags of NPK, 2 bags of Urea,1 litre of soil amender, 4 litres of pesticides, 5 litres of pre/post emergence herbicides.
The beneficiaries who could not hide their feelings appreciated government for the gesture with a promise to make judicious use of the items.
Kayode Babatuyi